The 2025 NBA preseason kicked off on October 2nd around the globe. The New York Knicks beat the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat Melbourne United, 107-97, in Australia.
Despite the win, the game was hardly a victory worth celebrating for the Pelicans. Jeremiah Fears, the seventh overall pick in the 2025 draft, struggled. In his debut, he posted just seven points in 22 minutes, three assists, and five turnovers. He shot 3-15 from the floor and missed every 3 he took.
On the other side of the court, Dash Daniels, brother of Atlanta Hawks’ guard Dyson Daniels, thrived. He posted 11 points off the bench while shooting 50% to go with six rebounds and a steal.
GettyMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 03: Jeremiah Fears of the Pelicans dunks during the NBAxNBL match between Melbourne United and New Orleans Pelicans at Rod Laver Arena on October 03, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Pelicans Need More from Jeremiah Fears
Fears was picked as a raw, but talented, guard prospect coming out of the University of Oklahoma. He is eventually expected to usurp Dejounte Murray as the Pelicans‘ starting point guard and showed flashes of excellence in the summer league, averaging 17.4 points.
Granted, he is turnover-prone and has a very unreliable outside shot, although most young point guards struggle in those areas.
Against Melbourne, it was clear that Fears still has a long way to go, as he remained indecisive with the ball and took questionable shots once he had made up his mind.
Still raw and with only one preseason game under his belt, the Pelicans aren’t worried about their rookie.
“He’s going to continue to improve,” said head coach Willie Green after the game. “I was excited about his aggressiveness. He doesn’t back down from any challenge. He missed a few shots, made some mistakes, but that’s a part of the game.”
As Fears decolps, the Pelicans would prefer that he takes and misses a lot of shots instead of shying away from scoring opportunities.
GettyMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 03: Dash Daniels of United dribbles down court during the NBAxNBL match between Melbourne United and New Orleans Pelicans at Rod Laver Arena on October 03, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Dash Daniels’ Draft Stock Is Rising
Initially projected to go anywhere between the early second round and the middle of the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft, Dash Daniels’ stock seems to be hot, hot, hot. Younger brother of Dyson, Dash is a little smaller, but is still an elite defender, like his brother.
In five games so far this season, Dash is averaging 7.2 points, three rebounds, and assists, and a steal. He is also shooting 42.9% on limited attempts and will likely be a fan favorite as soon as he is drafted, thanks to his two-way effort.
Daniels opted to forgo the college route, staying in Australia to develop before the draft. Playing in “grown man” leagues has worked for top prospects like Victor Wembanyama, Zaccharie Risacher, and Alex Sarr in recent years.
“I think I’m sitting in a pretty good position right now,” he told Draftstack’s Nic Thomas in May. “All I do is try to be better. The goal is to be drafted as hard as I can.”
After holding his own against an NBA team and outplaying a lottery pick, it’s safe to say that Daniels should be considered for a lottery pick.
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